What causes the gear shifting noise in Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

[Carson]

Reasons for gear shifting noise in Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Internal blockage of the valve body, transmission noise. Internal blockage of the valve body: Dirt and impurities accumulate inside the valve body, forming blockages that prevent effective regulation of oil pressure, leading to jerking, impact, and slippage issues. Transmission noise: The transmission has many components, and the causes of noise are complex. When analyzing and diagnosing, pay attention to: whether the noise is related to specific speeds, such as some planetary gears being more noticeable at around 50Km/h. Whether it is related to certain gears, which is crucial for diagnosing transmission faults. If a specific gear makes noise, it is definitely related to the components affecting that gear's transmission; if all gears make noise, it is often due to a fault in the constant mesh gear shaft or insufficient transmission oil.

[StAllison]

Last time I drove a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, there was a noise when shifting gears, probably due to several common issues. One is internal transmission component wear, such as a damaged gear synchronizer, causing a clicking sound; another possibility is insufficient or aged transmission fluid, as deteriorated fluid leads to poor lubrication and noise. Another cause could be wear in the shift lever bushings or interlock mechanism, resulting in friction sounds during simple movements. On the electronic control side, if sensors fail or solenoids malfunction, abnormal noises may also occur, especially when shifting between D and R gears. I recommend first checking the fluid level yourself—if it’s dark in color, it should be replaced. If the noise persists, take it to a 4S shop immediately to scan for trouble codes with a diagnostic tool, as delaying could damage the entire transmission. Long-term neglect may even affect driving safety, such as dangerous situations where gears fail to engage. Timely repairs are crucial.

[DiCorey]

I also experienced abnormal noises when shifting gears in my Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with an annoying metal scraping sound. Through that experience, I found the causes are usually wear in the shift mechanism or insufficient oil pressure: loose bushings produce squeaking sounds, and the noise becomes more noticeable when the fluid level is too low. In the E-Class, it might also relate to driving habits, such as aggressive shifting or prolonged coasting in neutral, leading to component fatigue. If the electronic control valve becomes unresponsive, it can also cause abnormal noises. My solution was simple: first, I had the transmission fluid checked and replaced at the dealership, which significantly reduced the noise. If that doesn’t help, it might indicate internal bearing damage, requiring professional disassembly. Remember not to attempt DIY repairs—Mercedes parts are expensive, and improper handling could worsen the issue. Safety first; it’s best to visit a service center early for maintenance.

[McArabella]

Common causes of gearshift noise in Mercedes-Benz E-Class include insufficient transmission fluid, worn shift lever, or electronic module failure. Lack of oil causing poor lubrication produces a rustling sound; aging components like damaged interlock mechanisms create a clicking noise; when control sensors malfunction, gear shifting becomes rough and abnormal. I recommend prioritizing fluid condition checks—dark brown color indicates replacement is needed—and ensuring smooth shifting operations to prevent noise deterioration.